Giving help, getting help in the Midlands, March 3

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY needs volunteer drivers to take patients to medical facilities for cancer treatment. The Road to Recovery Program is seeking volunteers with a good driving record, valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and a vehicle in good working condition. Rides are needed 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and the schedule is flexible according to each volunteer’s availability. Fronde Merchant, fronde.merchant@cancer.org or (843) 744-1922

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS volunteer orientation will be from 6-7 p.m. on March 10 at 4300 North Main St. For more information, visit www.bbbsgc.org or call (803) 691-5700

BIRTHRIGHT OF COLUMBIA is seeking volunteers to provide one-on-one assistance to girls and women who are faced with an unplanned or problem pregnancy. The four-part training sessions begin at 6 p.m. March 24 at their office at 1405 Gregg St. For more information contact Hank Chardos at (803) 543-8144 or via email hankbirthright@gmail.com

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VETERANS have served our state and our nation. Now you can help them by volunteering at your local VA medical center or VA outpatient clinic. Contact Dorn VA Medical Center Voluntary Services at (803) 695-6780 or visit www.columbiasc.va.gov

LAWYERS 4 VETS is a pro bono legal clinic for lower-income veterans in South Carolina at the Dorn VA Medical Center, 6439 Garners Ferry Road. Lawyers 4 Vets will connect lower-income veterans living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line with local attorneys who can provide one-on-one pro bono legal advice or representation in matters such as obtaining identification (Social Security, S.C. ID, birth certificates); child support and visitation issues in South Carolina; expungments and pardons in South Carolina; consumer protection; health care powers of attorney and simple wills. To be screened for an appointment call (877) 289-6000. Clinics are by appointment only. Attorneys interested in volunteering or anyone interested in supporting the clinic should call (803) 779-1113, ext. 113 or http://scjusticewatch.org

SUNSET FELINES is in urgent need of people who can spare an hour a week (mornings or late afternoons, weekdays and weekends) to assist with the feeding of several cat colonies in Lexington County. Ideal for retirees or those with flexible schedules. Also need foster homes, both short- and long-term; plus they have plenty of adoptable cats. (803) 794-5686 or email thesunsetfelines@hotmail.com

THE CHRISTIAN CHRISTMAS CLUB has two $800 book scholarships available to Richland 1 and Richland 2 graduating high school students who are in single-parent households. Qualifying students should visit their school counselor’s office for details. Application deadline is April 15.

DONATIONS

THE GIVING TREE is accepting items for Help and Hope hygiene kits such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, washcloths, deodorant, shampoo, tissues and hand sanitizer. Items can be dropped off from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at The Giving Tree, 421 Bush River Road. Kits will help the homeless, families in crisis, veterans and children in foster care. (803) 521-1881

BETSY’S GARAGE and Cellphones for Soldiers are asking Columbia residents to help troops call home by donating gently used cellphones for recycling. For every donated phone valued at $5, the nonprofit will be able to provide overseas troops 2.5 hours of free talk time on prepaid international calling cards. Betsy’s Garage, 2011 Bull St., will offer a 10 percent discount on any automotive service to customers donating phones. This is an ongoing effort. Donations may be dropped off during business hours, 8 a.m.-6 pm. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. (803) 929-0013; cellphonesforsoldiers.com

DONATE, DON’T DUMP, an initiative of the Salvation Army of the Midlands, encourages people to drop off clothing, household items, furniture, etc., at the Family Store, 1312 Millwood Ave. Store hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. You can call (803) 748-9964 for items to be picked up.

REACH OUT AND READ, an early literacy program providing books for children ages 5 and younger during well-child visits at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, needs new book donations and contributions. Call Callee Boulware, (803) 434-2523